telehealth.ph

NThC attends ACM seminar on Robotics and Autonomous Systems

2009-02-21T17:27:00.003+08:00

The NThC attended the second day of the ACM Distinguished Lecture series, "Robotics and Autonomous Systems", given by Michael Jenkin, PhD of York University, Canada. This was held at the Engineering Theater at UP Diliman last February 17.

During the course of the lecture, Dr Jenkin identified three major problems in creating robots, namely:

locomotion (how the robot moves)
sensing (how the robot measures properties of its environment)
reasoning (how the robot transduces measurements into actions)

He also identified solutions on the locomotion problem:
* use of wheels
- maximum stair height to be able to climb: less than the radius of the wheel
- ineffective on planet surfaces, especially sand
* use of treads
- involves wheels bound by a belt (much like a construction vehicle)
- can climb and move into tight spaces
* use of legs, fins, or other similar methods
- legged robots are power inefficient and harder to program, but provide dynamic control

He noted that for 'sensing', it is "easy" to collect data, but understanding the data is extremely difficult.

For reasoning, he gave three critical issues:

situational reasoning
reactivity [speed of response]
reasoning about space

He also gave some characteristics modern robot applications:

high cost
dangerous
remote

Otherwise, hiring people is more efficient to do the work. He gave space exploration as an ideal application for robotics. One example of a space exploration robot is the Russian Lunokhod, which was teleoperated (operated on the earth while the robot is in space). The Lunokhod was intended to operate for 3 months but went on to about 11 months (Dr Jenkin told the audience that the operators got bored, so they tried to make it jump of the cliff, effectively destroying it).

Another application for robots is telemining, used in Canada. This greatly reduces the transport cost of personnel from the ground to the mine area meters below and kilometers [horizontally] from the shaft/opening.

One application related to health includes elder care. He noted that nurses often suffer from work-related injuries, mainly caused by wrong posture while trying to lift a patient. However, robots will have to look harmless, otherwise patients will be scared. Also, there are also robots that emit soft, cuddly noises.

IDRC sits in at E-Lecture between National Telehealth Center and Basco, Batanes

2008-11-20T22:22:00.003+08:00

On November 17, 2008 a lecture on Alcohol Abuse and Rehabilitation was given by Dr. Allan Dionisio of the National Poison Management and Control Center from UP-Manila to the Provincial Health Office, PNP, and other government employees and health workers about 800km away in Basco, Batanes. This lecture, an e-learning session aimed at improving health care at the grassroots level, is part of the telehealth program of the UP Manila National Telehealth Center in partnership with the province of Batanes. Using the free software, skype, Dr. Dionisio not only was able to deliver his lecture, but also had a lively question and answer interaction with the audience in Basco. This session is very appropriate since Batanes, with a an approximate population of 17000 is the number 2 consumer of gin nationwide.
While about 12 km from UP Manila, in the Telecommunication Office in Quezon City, at the pilot site of the eSkwela project of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), CICT director for field operations Maria Tess Camba, International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada Program Manager (telecentre.org) Florencio Ceballos, OneRoof VP Miguel Raimilla and CICT and e-Skwela managers and learners observed Dr. Dionisio and the audience in Batanes again using the simple technology of the internet through skype. Prior to the lecture, Dr. HR Aujero, Coordinator for Field Operations of the National Telehealth Center introduced to the IDRC, CICT, and eSkwela representatives the initiatives of the National Telehealth Center. Assisted by Project Assistant Al Merca and Research Assistant Engr. Randy Fernandez, a three-point connection was established allowing all sites: National Telehealth Center- Basco, Batanes- Telof to see and interact with each other. Representatives from IDRC and CICT noted the innovative way of sharing knowledge using free software transcending limitations on location and limited connectivity. Afterwhich Mr. Ave Mejia presented the eSkwela project of the CICT which provides ICT-enhanced educational opportunities for out-of-school youths and adults.
Apart from e-learning, the National Telehealth Center, helps Batanes in patient care through e-medicine and in improving patient data management at the Rural Health Unit level through its e-records, CHITS (Community Health Information Tracking System)

NThC orients the new Doctors-to-the-Barrios (Batch 25) about Telehealth Initiatives

2008-10-29T14:59:00.003+08:00

Another CHITS Training

2008-10-21T11:53:00.008+08:00

October 16-17,2008

The National Telehealth Center conducted another CHITS training for healthcare professionals. The Center for Health Development4A has helped with the facilitation of the said event. It was the first CHITS training held at the Interactive Learning Center of UP Manila. The participants were health workers from Alfonso,Cavite and Real, Quezon.

October 16

The trainees got an introductory orientation of what CHITS is all about. The ever-promising "Cup Game" was again a crowd favorite. Grouped into 4 teams, each team slowly inched their way into building their own respective cup towers. The value of good data collection was emphasized through the cup game. In the afternoon, the 6 basic steps of CHITS were taught using a demo interface. Each of the participants is guided accordingly by the NThC staff.

October 17

Advanced modules of CHITS were introduced and explained into the context of the healthcare worker's work flow in the Rural Health Units. At the end of the training, the online CHITS evaluation tool was accessed and everyone had their own part in scrutinizing the training itself. Good thing that most of the response generated are positive and encouraging.

The Director Featured in Computer World Magazine

2008-10-19T23:33:00.001+08:00

CHITS Training at NCC, UP Diliman

2008-10-17T14:19:00.003+08:00

CHITS Level 0 Training at National Computer Center, UP Diliman

From left: Ms. Pia Athena Tolentino, RN, Alex I. Gavino, MD, Raymond Sarmiento, MD, Ms. Mercy Nicolas and Mr. Medel Herrera
Below: Ms. Alexandra Belle Bernal, RN

CHITS Training of QC-Barangay Health Workers in NCC

2008-10-13T16:26:00.004+08:00

October 6, 2008
The National Telehealth Center conducted a Basic Computer training for CHITS at the National Computer Center.The highlight of the event is the " Cup Game". The Cup game signifies the role of each person in a team with regards to data collection. Each one in the group should be careful,well-coordinated and has a good sense of judgement in pulling and pushing their own yarns for the sake of building the cup tower together. The 5 major characteristics of good data were thoroughly emphasized such as complete,accurate,usable,readable and timely. The BHWs enjoyed the training even though most of them are not computer savvy.

October 10,2008
It is another day for the continuation of CHITS training of BHWs at NCC. The beginner's training was facilitated by Dr. Alex Gavino. The gist of the training was comprised of the 6 basic steps on CHITS. Each of the Barangay Health Workers was assisted step by step(thanks to Dr.Sarmiento, Nurse Xands and Pia). They were trained on how to navigate the CHITS web page and how to handle the patient's records. Most of them were grateful with their acquired computer skills. The training ended with the presentation of certificates and a humble feast.

NThC holds E-Health sessions during the 33rd CME of DttBs

2008-10-03T18:24:00.004+08:00

September 30,2008- The second day of the 33rd CME of DttBs held at the Mac Arthur Beach Hotel and Resort was purely intended for the e-health session of the National Telehealth Center. Director Alvin Marcelo started the activity with his lecture on Ethical Issues in Medical Informatics. Common queries on the said topic were discussed and answered appropriately. Dr. Alex Gavino presented the Digital Camera and Teleradiology slides made by Dr. Gerardo Beltran. An interactive session on digital camera use was conducted and the Doctors-to-the-Barrios had a dose of basic digital photography lecture. Dr. Ryan Banez promoted their project-Diamonds on the Rough which acknowledges community doctors serving for 5 years in their respective communities. He also lectured about PubMed on Handheld devices.
Dr.Victoria Samonte- Domain Expert on Pediatrics started the afternoon session with a lecture on Common Childhood Illness. A lecture and workshop on Management of Common Surgical Cases was conducted by Dr. Marcelo. The day’s activity ended with the presentation of certificates to the speakers and the NThC team by the HHRDB.
The event was also an opportunity for the NThC to accept applications from DttBs for the UPMASA-DOH-DttB-UPM ICT Grant wherein a HP Mini-Note Laptop will be given to the deserving Doctor-to-the Barrios on their graduation day. The grant was funded by the UPMASA.

NThC gives talk to UP-SHS students

2008-10-03T18:19:00.002+08:00

September 29,2008 - The NThC team conducted a lecture about the 3 major components of the National Telehealth Center. Dr. Alex Gavino discussed the e-Medicine component and the tele-referral system for the Doctors-to-the-Barrios assigned all over the Philippines while Nurse Alexandra Bernal explained the e-Learning component which the primary beneficiaries are the health care workers in the remote areas of the country. Lastly, Nurse Pia Tolentino presented the e-Records component which is mainly the CHITS project.
After the presentation, an open forum discussion was held. Most of the questions that came from the students are about accountability, privacy and ethical issues. The professors and other academicians asked on how they would benefit from the available services of the center specifically the e-learning or tele-mentoring sessions.

Baguio Pre-Centennial Dinner/MOC Signing for CHITS

2008-09-08T11:02:00.001+08:00

Last September 1,2008, the Baguio City Government has launched its Pre-Centennial Program with the theme "Fostering a Culture of Caring". In line with this theme, the Baguio Centennial Commission has decided to consider CHITS as one of its pioneer project for Health.

Dr. Alex Gavino and Dr. Francis Sarmiento took the opportunity to advocate the implementation of CHITS by signing a memorandum of commitment between the Baguio Centennial Commission and the National Telehealth Center. Simultaneous with the signing of MOC, a gala dinner was held and we took the chance to converse with different stakeholders.Most of the delegates showed great interest over the project and they are more than willing to help out for the development and implementation of CHITS in Baguio. Hopefully this move will spearhead the promotion of CHITS within Northern Luzon.

National Telehealth Center takes part in DOH's Violence and Injury Prevention Program

2008-08-20T22:22:00.003+08:00

In light of the disturbing issue on the rising statistics on violence and injuries, the Department of Health issued AO 2007-0010, a National Policy on Violence and Injury Prevention. To create an effective program, the DOH gathered various stakeholders to a “Writeshop/Consultative Meeting to Develop a Comprehensive Strategic and Integrated Plan for Violence and Injury Prevention Program”.

The writeshop was held in Bayview Hotel in Manila on August 19-20, 2008 and the various stakeholders present were the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Safe Kids, and the National Telehealth Center represented by Dr. HR Aujero. Focused Group Discussions on awareness, practices, and possible solutions were held. This event was just a preparation for the actual Strategic Planning on the Violence and Injury Prevention Program to be held on September 9-12, 2008

NThC Conducts CHITS Training to Various LGUs

2008-07-05T13:11:00.003+08:00

1 July 2008 - CHITS Training for Municipal Health Workers of Mendez, Cavite held at the Municipal Health Office of Mendez, Cavite.

2 July 2008 - CHITS Training for Municipal Health Workers of Orion, Bataan held at the National Telehealth Center Conference Room.

4 July 2008 - CHITS Training for Barangay Health Workers of Quezon City held at the National Computer Center, Diliman, QC.

DOST Telemedicine Project Mock Set-up Meeting

2008-07-05T12:56:00.007+08:00

30 June 2008

Batanes Telehealth Program Inked

2008-06-29T20:24:00.007+08:00

Batanes is 225 years old! As part of the Batanes Foundation Day celebrations, National Telehealth Center Director Alvin Marcelo, National Institutes of Health Deputy Executive Director Vicente Belizario, and DOH-Information Management Services Director Crispinita Valdez supported by NThC staff Cristina Onzaga, Al Merca, and Alexandra Bernal, RN traveled to Batanes to take part in the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement of the Batanes Telehealth Program with Governor Telesforo Castillejos, Mayor Demetrius Paul Narag of Basco, and Mayor Nicanor Doplito of Uyugan. This program, which has three main components: telemedicine, continuing professional education, and establishing an electronic health records for RHUs, seeks deliver health care from a distance. Dr. HR Aujero, Field Operations Coordinator of the National Telehealth Center, was sent to Batanes on a three-month stint to implement the project.

Telemedicine is simply providing healthcare to patients from a remote location. Doctors and selected nurses of Batanes General Hospital, the Provincial Health Office, the Municipality of Uyugan and the hospitals in the islands of Itbayat (Itbayat District Hospital) and Sabtang (Sabtang Community Hospital) have been trained on how to present patients through videoconferencing and how to take pictures of X-ray plates and lesions. A number of patients' x-ray plates have been referred to the Philippine General Hospital for official reading of a radiologist. And slides have also been sent to Manila to be read by a pathologist. Other avenues that have been utilized include SMS, and MMS. The latter has been very helpful for dermatology materials.

It is also the program's goals to improve the knowledge and skills of the other health workers such as the midwives and barangay health workers. Video presentations have been produced by the National Telehealth Center in cooperation with USAID and the UP Open University's Multimedia Center for these front line healthworkers. Each session consists of a video presentation and is followed by an open forum with a specialist on the topic from the Philippine General Hospital. To date, there have been three sessions in the province. The first in the island municipality of Itbayat on household poisoning with Dr. Laura Aguinaldo (April 22,2008). A session on stroke with Dr. Paul Pasco was held in the Provincial Health Office in Basco (May 5, 2008). And as part of the Batanes Day celebrations, another session on household poisoning with Dr. Laura Aguinaldo was held in the PHO (June 27, 2008). The last one however had the Q&A via cellular phone due to limited internet connection.

The last component is the utilization of the Community Health Information Tracking System, an electronic health record for Rural Health Units. This customizable, user friendly software is free, thus lowering costs for the LGUs. Pilot sites for CHITS are municipalities of Basco and Uyugan and the provincial health office. Mr Alison Perez Senior Programmer of the UP College of Medicine’s Medical Informatics Unit came to Batanes to install CHITS in the pilot sites and train the health workers on its use.

With the pact signed, stakeholders from both ends sealed their commitment on the program and expressed their enthusiasm for the next phase.

NThC Attends tPCA Charter Workshop

2008-06-07T07:00:00.013+08:00

The National Telehealth Center, through its Central Operations Coordinator Dr. Alex Gavino, and Telehealth Nurse Ms. Pia Athena Tolentino, participated in the Charter Workshop of the telecentre.org-Philippine Community e-Center Academy (tPCA) held at The Legend Villas, Mandaluyong City last June 4-6, 2008.

The CeC Roadmap specifically cites the establishment of a CeC academy as one priority strategy supporting the capacity-building goal of the Philippine CeC Program which is to ensure the availability ofcompetent knowledge workers in every Community e-Center. The tPCA is a consortium of ICT4D and CeC capability-building and content development institutions (government, private and academic) who collaborate towards the timely delivery of relevant, useful and quality capability building programs for CeC knowledge workers. Along with CICT, the following are among the consortium partners: 1) Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP); 2) Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC); 3) UP-National Telehealth Center; 4) University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU); 5) Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Open Academy for Agriculture; 6) Intel Technology Philippines, Inc.; 6)Microsoft Philippines, Inc.; and 8) telecentre.org.

The objectives of the workshop were: 1) to organize the tPCA consortium; 2) to formulate the tPCA Charter; and 3) to formulate an action plan for 1 year. The workshop was composed of 4 modules, specifically: 1) Validation of the tPCA Purpose (Vision, Mission, Functions, Components and Roles); 2) Organizational Options and Relationships; 3) Resource Generation and Management; 4) Accreditation Procedures and Standards, Organizational Issues and Action Planning Exercise.

After the 3-day session, certain agreements were reached and the draft of the Charter shall be made available to the Charter members later this month. Hopefully, the Charter will be ratified by August 2008.

This endeavor emphasizes the NThC's commitment in enhancing Community e-Center services through e-Health.

Hippocratic Oath or Hypocritical

2008-06-06T13:54:00.003+08:00

During oath-taking ceremonies of medical professionals, the modern version of hippocratic oath is sworn to with great pride usually because of the fact that we were able to pass a difficult board exam, not to mention a difficult training. Sad to say, during practice of most medical professionals nowadays, it seems to me, that most of the lines sworn before, are already forgotten by most of our colleagues.

Take for example “I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures that are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism”, nowadays, what are we doing, what do you see?
Take another line or phrase “I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know” Again, what are we doing, and what do you see?
And another phrase “I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability” Again, what are we doing and what do you see?
Finally, the last phrase “...may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter...” Again, do we still see the hippocratic oath in our lives? Or are we now one of those who have become hypocritical? What do you see...

National Telehealth Center Attends an Online Conference on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness

2008-05-30T17:23:00.011+08:00

The National Telehealth Center, through its Field Operations Coordinator Dr. HR Aujero, attended an online conference sponsored by the Emerging Infections Network (EINet). This symposium was hosted by the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) at their facility in UP-Diliman where necessary equipment allows real time conferencing among numerous participants. Attended by 17 APEC economies the 2008 Virtual Symposium Pandemic Influenza Preparedness: Partnerships and Continuity Planning for Critical Systems seeks to describe how private and public sectors in the APEC region can cooperate and work effectively to prepare for and respond to pandemic influenza. This videoconference promotes regional information sharing and collaboration to enhance preparedness against pandemic influenza. In order to improve preparedness regionally, it is vital to understand how each economy in the region is undertaking preparedness. Specifically, EINet's proposed aims are to:

1. Bring together economies in a dynamic, real-time discussion on preparedness through the collaboration of the health and the business/trade sectors, with a focus on critical systems continuity.
2. Share specific examples of current practices, e.g. scenario exercises, communication drills and policy evaluation.
3. Use innovative technologies (e.g. Access Grid) for real-time, virtual interchange, enhancing their utility for future collaboration and response in time of a pandemic.

Telehealth in Remote Batanes

2008-05-26T15:13:00.010+08:00

The National Telehealth Center of the UP-Manila- National-Institutes of Health partnered with the Provincial Government of Batanes on a Telehealth Program. This program seeks to connect the doctors of Batanes to each other and to specialists from the Philippine General Hospital. Dr. HR Aujero of the National Telehealth Center was sent to Batanes on a three-month stint to implement the project. The Governor, LGU heads, local doctors, nurses, and health workers have been oriented to the project and have given their full support.

The program has three main components: telemedicine, continuing professional education, and establishing an electronic health records for RHUs. Telemedicine is simply providing healthcare to patients from a remote location. Doctors and selected nurses of Batanes General Hospital, the Provincial Health Office, the Municipality of Uyugan and the hospitals in the islands of Itbayat (Itbayat District Hospital) and Sabtang (Sabtang Community Hospital) have been trained on how to present patients through videoconferencing and how to take pictures of X-ray plates and dermatologic lesions. A number of patients' x-ray plates have been referred to the Philippine General Hospital for official reading of a radiologist. And slides have also been sent to Manila to be read by a pathologist. Other avenues that have been utilized include SMS, and MMS. The latter has been very helpful for dermatology materials.

It is also the program's goals to improve the knowledge and skills of the other health workers such as the midwives and barangay health workers. Video presentations have been produced by the National Telehealth Center in cooperation with USAID and the UP Open University's Multimedia Center for these front line healthworkers. Each session consists of a video presentation and is followed by an open forum with a specialist on the topic from the Philippine General Hospital. Two sessions have been held in the province. The first in the island municipality of Itbayat on household poisoning with Dr. Laura Aguinaldo. A session on stroke with Dr. Paul Pasco was held in the Provincial Health Office in Basco.

The last component is the utilization of the Community Health Information Tracking System, an electronic health record for Rural Health Units. This customizable, user friendly software is free, thus lowering costs for the LGUs. Pilot sites for CHITS are municipalities of Basco and Uyugan and the provincial health office. Mr Alison Perez Senior Programmer of the UP College of Medicine’s Medical Informatics Unit came to Batanes to install CHITS in the pilot sites and train the health workers on its use.

On May 16, 2008, National Telehealth Center Field Operations Coordinator Dr. Hypte Raymund V. Aujero presented to the Governor, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for Health, and the Provincial Health Office the milestones of the program. NThC Director Alvin Marcelo, MD, FPCS, was able to send his message via video through the internet. The Governor and other officials expressed their appreciation to the National Telehealth Center for reaching out the remote province of Batanes, specially by sending a lone representative to implement the Telehealth program and live among the Ivatans, Isabtangs, and Itbayats for three months. Both the Province and NThC look forward to continuing the partnership.

UPMASA Awards Asus Eee Laptops to Deserving DttBs

2008-05-24T10:39:00.006+08:00

Asus Eee Laptops

Dr. Ferdinand B. Pekas from Placer, Surigao del Norte.

Dr. Matthew B. Bawayan from Asipulo, Ifugao.

Dr. Yashier P. Maali from Sibutu, Tawi-tawi.

Dr. Jennifer G. Coritico from Santander, Cebu.

Dr. Cherrilyn G. Zablan from Alilem, Ilocos Sur.

Last but definitely not the least. The doctor with the most number of referrals:
Dr. Augustus Caesar Bigornia from Hungduan, Ifugao.

NThC Conducts E-Health Session with Doctors-to-the-Barrios

2008-05-18T19:51:00.006+08:00

15 May 2008

NThC Holds DOST Telemedicine Workshop

2008-05-17T22:43:00.009+08:00

15 May 2008 - The National Telehealth Center held a coordination workshop for the DOST Telemedicine Project at the Robbinsdale Hotel, Quezon City. The aim of the said workshop was to engage with the UP Diliman partners/programmers for the ECCS (Emergency Care Coordinating System) component and establish the expected services that the NThC will offer. In attendance were Dr. Alvin Marcelo and the entire NThC staff, Prof. Rommel Feria from the Department of Computer Science, UP Diliman Vice-Chancellor Luis Sison of the RxBox Team, Dr. Paulo Pagkatipunan and Dr. Lynn Panganiban of UP-PGH as Domain Experts. The team was able to agree on the various issues raised during the workshop, particularly, the use of SMS in the telereferral system, the need for voice patch in emergency cases, the role of the RxBox in the ECCS, and the possible software applications that need to be developed for the entire program.

NThC Organizes the 1st CHITS Annual Conference

2008-05-16T13:36:00.003+08:00

NThC Holds 1st GIS Workshop for Health Leaders

2008-05-16T13:35:00.001+08:00

Batanes Installs Community Health Information Tracking System

2008-05-12T08:56:00.003+08:00

Another part of the telehealth program of the Province of Batanes and the National Telehealth Center is the installation of the Community Health Information Tracking System (CHITS). Funded by PANASIA-ICT (Singapore/ Canada) and originally designed by Dr. Herman Tolentino alongside with the healthworkers of Pasay City, CHITS is a software customized for local health centers which comply with reportorial requirements of the Department of Health. It is an open source software, which simply means everyone is free to use and modify it to fit their needs, and translates to zero cost for acquisition and updates.

Mr. Alison Perez, senior programmer of the Medical Informatics Unit of the UP College of Medicine came to Batanes on May 6, 2008 to train health workers on CHITS alongside Dr. HR Aujero of the National Telehealth Center. With the assistance of UP med students Romelyn April Imperio, Van Jerwin Mercado, Dan Michael Pineda, and Ezra Valido, the training consisted of hands-on session on using the software. Initially installed in the pilot sites of Basco, Uyugan, and the Provincial Health Office, CHITS is hoped to systematize and efficiently manage health data. Eventually, all of six municipalities, of Batanes will use the system.

Batanes Health Workers Learn Basic Computer Use

2008-05-07T10:20:00.006+08:00

The Batanes Telehealth Project is composed of telemedicine and establishing an electronic health records (Community Health Information Tracking System or CHITS) for Batanes’s RHUs and Provincial Health Office. Computer literacy, therefore, is a very important component. On April 9-11, 2008, health workers from Basco, Mahatao, Ivana, Uyugan, and the island municipality of Sabtang assembled at the Batanes National Science High School (BNSHS) for three days of computer lessons. National Telehealth Center Field Operations Services HR Aujero, with the invaluable technical expertise of Provincial Health Office IT head Ireneo Geronimo and staff, guided the health workers on a step by step process based on the program of the National Computer Center.

The participants started by learning what is a computer and how to attach the cords and cables just in case they might need to. They were introduced to using the computer playing games just to get them accustomed to using a mouse. A number of these participants never touched a mouse before. Then, they proceeded to using a word processor which included formatting fonts, paragraphs and page, inserting pictures, and text editing. The health workers were also introduced to the world wide web. They learned how to search and email including attaching and downloading files. At the end, they were required to type, format, and print their own certificate of attendance. Also,a number of them were opening friendster accounts after hearing about it from their children and friends.

Basco Health Workers Learns Community Management of Stroke Through the Internet

2008-05-06T16:36:00.005+08:00

After the successful, e-learning session on childhood poisoning in the northernmost inhabited island of Itbayat, it was Basco's turn to have one. On May 5, 2008 health workers and nurses in Basco, Batanes connected with Neurologist Dr. Paul Pasco of the Philippine General Hospital through the internet. National Telehealth Center Field Operations Coordinator Dr. HR Aujero and medical students Romelyn April Imperio, Van Jerwin Mercado, Dan Michael Pineda, and Ezra Valido from The UP College of Medicine facilitated the activity.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Roel Nicolas welcomed the participants to the event. A seven-minute video on stroke was shown to the audience. Afterwards, everyone was encouraged to ask questions to Dr. Pasco in PGH. After the initial reserve of the participants, they eventually relaxed and asked their questions. Eventually even myths like “stroke three your out” were busted. Like in Itbayat, the healthworkers in Basco look forward to more sessions.

NThC Summer Outing at Calaca, Batangas

2008-04-30T08:02:00.000+08:00

SMS Telemedicine Project for DTTBs

2008-04-28T11:33:00.002+08:00

On October 10, 2007, Dr. Kenneth Ronquillo, Director of Health and Human Resource Development Bureau (HHRDB) and Dr. Portia Grace Marcelo, Assistant Chief of Community Oriented Medical Education Unit representing UP Manila Chancellor Ramon L. Arcardio spearheaded the MOA signing of the SMS Telemedicine Project with DTTBs at the Chali Beach Resort in Cagayan De Oro City.

The SMS Telemedicine Project for DTTBs is the use of SMS as the primary ICT modality for accepting referrals from Doctors-to-the-Barrios assigned throughout the Philippines. The main goal of the project is to extend the health services of the National TeleHealth Center to the remote and underserved areas of the country through the DTTB Program of the Department of Health (DOH).

Orientation and Training of TelePsychiatry Project in Infanta, Quezon

2008-04-28T11:30:00.001+08:00

On March 10, 2008, Dra. Lourdes Ignacio, President of World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation Philippines (WARP) and the National Telehealth Center went to Infanta,Quezon to launch the Orientation and Training of TelePsychiatry Project. The event was attended by the Municipal Health Officer,doctors,nurses and IT personnels. Dr. Lourdes Ignacio talked about the need for psychiatric services in the area due to the scarcity of psychiatrists in the Philippines. Protocols containing established management of psychiatric patients were also presented. In the afternoon, Dr. Alvin B. Marcelo, Director of the National Telehealth Center presented Telemedicine in the Philippines and the other on-going projects. Telehealth Nurse- Pia Tolentino discussed the basics of Videoconferencing for future teleconferencing needs of the health workers.

TeleSurgery Project

2008-04-28T11:25:00.002+08:00

The TeleSurgery is a joint project of the National Telehealth Center and the Department of Surgery. This endeavor is composed of three components namely TeleRounds, Tele-OR and Tele-SICU.

TeleRounds

TeleRounds is the installation of wireless access to Wards 2 and 4(Surgery Wards). A mobile laptop cart is being used to make rounds. The goal of this component is to be able to help the consultants do their rounds virtually and assess their patients in the hospital even they are not physically present

Tele-SICU

Tele-SICU (Surgery ICU) has the same set-up and activities with the telerounds. The difference of Tele-SICU from Telerounds is the implementation inside the intensive care unit. The added activity besides viewing the ICU patients, TeleSICU is also intended for monitoring the contraptions(ventilators,heart monitor) attached to the patients which serve as a telemetry aspect.

Tele-OR

The Minimally Invasive Surgical Room is connected to the OR Conference Room via closed-circuit televisions (CCTV).Using this system,the goal is to provide an avenue of telementoring of General Surgeons located in MISR to the residents located in the OR conference room. Tele-OR is an interactive learning of different surgical procedures in real-time.

Itbayat, Batanes Health Workers E-learn on Childhood Poisoning

2008-04-24T11:50:00.004+08:00

Health Workers from the five barangays of the Island Municipality of Itbayat (3-4 hrs north of Basco by boat) came together at the Itbayat National Agricultural High School (INAHS) on April 22, 2008 for an e-learning session on common household poisoning. Defined as remote professional learning and monitoring competence, e-learning aims to deliver continuing education to remote areas via Information Communication Technology.

Medical Students Romelyn April Imperio, Van Jerwin Mercado, Dan Michael Pineda, and Ezra Valido from The UP College of Medicine came to Itbayat, a fishing and farming community with a population of 3109, to facilitate the activity along with the National Telehealth Center Field Operations Coordinator Dr. HR Aujero. A 10 minute video produced by the National Telehealth Center, USAID, and National Poisons Control Center was shown onsite at the INAHS computer lab. After the video, the BHWs had an open forum with Dr. Laura Aguinaldo, a toxicology fellow of the National Poisons Control Center, who was located at the National Telehealth Center office in UP-PGH. The participants at Itbayat were able to ask questions and hear Dr. Aguinaldo's answers live through the technology of the internet. The BHWs reactions were very positive and said they hope for more sessions. The closing remarks were given by the Itbayat Chief of Hospital and MHO designate Dr. Jordan de Sagon who thanked the students from UP and the National Telehealth Center for reaching out the health workers of Itbayat. Other e-learning videos available for download at www.teheleath.ph are: stroke, bird flu, and tuberculosis.

NThC Explores Possibility of Conducting Telepsychiatry in CM Recto District Hospital in Infanta Quezon.

2008-04-24T09:33:00.005+08:00

The National Telehealth Center, in coordination with the UP-PGH Department of Psychiatry, has taken the primary steps in exploring the possibility of establishing a TelePsychiatry in the Quezon Province particularly General Nakar, Real and Infanta. As everybody can remember, the areas was devastated by a major landslide which caused millions of damage to property and has claimed more than a hundred lived. As a result, it has been reported that Psychiatric cases in the region has increased but such cannot be addressed with the lack or absence of Psychiatrists in the area. In line with such inability of the area, The Department of Psychiatry, spearheaded by Dra. Lourdes Ignacio, consulted Dr. Alvin B. Marcelo, Director of the National Telehealth Center, the possibility of establishing a Telepsychiatry with the area, particularly that of Claro M. Recto District Hospital in Infanta. Dr. Ignacio's team of Psychiatrists which included some residents and fellows, visit Infanta on monthly basis for consultations and prescription of medicines of about 50 patients. On January 14, 2008 NThC technical assistant Al Merca went with the team to inspect the hardware currently being used in the site and further evaluate the system/ software. Moreso, Mr. Merca also met up with Mr. Cunard Pearson, the techincal resource person in the hospital and discussed the required bandwidth and the necessary upgrades regarding the hardware. After a thorough evaluation by NThC Systems Administrator Eric Pareja, the CM Recto District Hospital is now capable of conducting teleconference with UP Manila National Telehealth Center.

NThC holds e-Learning for Health with Batanes

2008-04-22T17:42:00.001+08:00

NThC Joins Batanes PHO and Provincial Government in Giving a Symposium on Reproductive Health for High School Students

2008-04-22T10:52:00.008+08:00

Due to the increasing number of teen pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), the provincial government thought of increasing awareness of the high school students on matters of sexuality. The target audience were junior and senior students of the Batanes National Science High School. This measure also aims to arm the students leaving for college with the proper attitude and knowledge to keep themselves safe from sexually transmitted infections and pregnancies.

The National Telehealth Center field operations coordinator, Dr. HR Aujero joined Dr. Alethea de Guzman of the PHO, Mr. Jong Valientes, provincial administrator, and DOH representatives Ma. Leticia Bayaras, RN and Cristeta Afrondoso, RN on the morning of March 18, 2008 at the BNSHS. The topics covered were: Fertility, Human Sexuality, Myths and Facts, and Sexually Transmitted Infections. Also present at the event was Dr. Elaine Aguto (UPCM INTARMED 2006) an Ivatan herself and graduate of the Ivana National High School.

Forty-one students attended, mostly (38) girls. Majority of the students learn about sex from books and magazines followed by the internet. The symposium cum workshop came at the right time as a lot of them will be leaving for the mainland for college and that their knowledge about contraception is limited. Only 12 or 29% say they are aware of contraception. Furthermore all of the students say that they do not discuss sex with their parents. Forty of the students say they never had sex, only one did not indicate whether he/she ever did it. Other risky practices like smoking (3 do smoke), alcohol use (6), and illegal substance use (0) were quite unpopular for the students. At the end of the session, the students were shown how to properly use a condom.

National Telehealth Center Takes Part in Various Activities in Batanes

2008-04-22T10:12:00.011+08:00

On the second week of March, Basco served as the venue of various activities. As part of establishing linkages and integrating in the community, HR Aujero, MD represented the National Telehealth Center. He also introduced and promoted the telehealth initiatives of the Province of Batanes to these visitors.

On March 13, the Ateneo de Manila University representatives of the Leaders for Health Program held a workshop on Technical Assistance Support Structures for LGU Department Heads for the two municipalities under the Leaders for Health Program namely Ivana (Dr. Alethea de Guzman) and Uyugan (Dr. Richard Lariosa). Dr. HR Aujero actively took part in the workshop, not just as a representative of the National Telehealth Center, but as another doctor in the community.

The next day, March 14, saw the arrival of the Southern Tagalog Group of Psychiatrists who held a symposium on various topics on Psychiatry and had a consultation for psychiatric patients and Special Education students. Among the topics discussed is alcohol abuse, a very relevant topic, since alcohol use, specially gin, is very prevalent in the province. In fact, the Batanes General Hospital has an ongoing program of alcohol abuse prevention among the young.

The first South-east Asian women on Mt Everest, along with the PAL Mountaineering Club, were in town to hold a workshop on basic mountaineering skills for boy scouts and guides on March 14. And on March 15, Team Everest conquered Mt. Iraya. Dr. HR Aujero joined them on this climb. Dr. Ted Esguerra, expedition doctor, shared his experiences on various climbs and how he was able to apply telemedicine in the harshest and remotest regions. Armed with a backpack of hi-tech medical equipment and satellite internet connection on his laptop, he was able to transmit live auscultation and video feed to his colleagues and their students in Stanford University. Dr. Esguerra expressed his confidence in Filipino ingenuity in developing similar technologies. He also extends his appreciation to Doctors to the Barrios in serving the remote areas of the country.

Batanes Provincial Government Re-Opens the Sabtang Community Hospital

2008-04-22T09:59:00.012+08:00

On March 10, 2008, the Provincial Government lead by Gov. Telesforo Castillejos and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Roel Nicolas re-opened the Sabtang Community Hospital, a 10-bed primary hospital. After almost ten-years of crossing the treacherous sea just to be seen by a doctor, the people of the island municipality of Sabtang (pop 1600) stands to benefit from the hospital. This development was warmly accepted by the I-Sabtangs ably led by Mayor Max Babalu.

The event was celebrated by blessing the facility and having a health fair afterwards. Services rendered were medical consultations (Dr. Roel Nicolas, Dr. Alethea de Guzman, and Dr HR Aujero of the National Telehealth Center), BP taking, Fasting Blood Sugar determination, BMI and waist-hip ratio taking, and Kapadinungan sa Kalusugan (KSK) [the province health insurance system] enlistment. A scalp abscess and lipoma were operated on by Dr. Aujero and Dr. de Guzman respectively.

Now the Rural Health Unit has an additional ally in giving health services to the people of Sabtang and its visitors. Further expansion and improvement of the Sabtang Community Hospital is being planned.

The Director's Birthday Party

2008-04-20T11:10:00.004+08:00

17 April 2008 - NThC had a party for Dr. Alvin Marcelo, who celebrated his birthday last April 14, 2008.

NThC receives visitors from Bhutan

2008-04-19T16:31:00.004+08:00

17 April 2008 - Mr. Tashi Dendup (Bhutan) and Mr. Benny Sablaya (Paibare) visited the NThC premises to view the projects.

NThC attends the km@doh

2008-04-17T07:19:00.006+08:00

11 April 2008 - Dr. Alex Gavino, Ms. Pia Athena Tolentino and Ms. Alexandra Belle Bernal attended the "Knowledge Management @ DOH" Conference at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino, Manila.

NThC joins the April PICATA meeting

2008-04-17T07:14:00.007+08:00

9 April 2008 - Dr. Alvin Marcelo joined the meeting of the Pacific Islands Chapter of the American Telemedicine Association (PICATA) via videoconferencing with Hawaii and Seattle, USA.

NThC attends the 4th KEC of the PhilCeCNet

2008-04-17T07:10:00.007+08:00

3-4 April 2008 - Dr. Alvin Marcelo, Dr. Alex Gavino and Ms. Pia Athena Tolentino attended the 4th Knowledge Exchange Conference for e-Centers of the Philippine Community e-Centers Network (PhilCeCNet) held at the Heritage Hotel, Manila. NThC, in cooperation with the Last Mile Initiative of the USAID, handed out e-Learning for Health video CDs to the different CeCs.

NThC Activities (March 2008)

2008-04-17T07:02:00.003+08:00

27 March 2008
Dr. Franco Antonio Felizarta, an Infectious Disease/HIV Specialist from USA, delivered a lecture on "HCV Infection" at the CeCOME Conference Room, UP College of Medicine.

13 March 2008
NThC conducted a training on "e-Health for Health Workers (CHITS Level 1)" for San Jose del Monte, Bulacan City Health Office and Gawad Kalusugan staff.

10 March 2008
Dr. Alvin Marcelo and Ms. Pia Athena Tolentino joined the TelePsychiatry team for a site visit at Infanta, Quezon. Ms. Tolentino delivered a lecture on "Videoconferencing."

3 March 2008
The DOST Telemedicine Project was formally launched at the PGH Dining Hall with project proponents from UP Diliman and UP Manila in attendance.

3 March 2008
Dr. Hypte Raymond Aujero was deployed to Batanes for a 3-month immersion to establish an e-Health facility in the province.

NThC Activities (February 2008)

2008-04-17T06:43:00.009+08:00

28 February 2008
Dr. Angel Bandola of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology delivered a lecture on "Basic Ultrasound for Obstetrics and Gynecology" at the NThC Conference Room.

22 February 2008
Pilot testing of the TeleOR project which connected the Minimally Invasive Surgical Unit (MISU) to the OR Conference Room.

21-23 February 2008
Roxas Site Visit by the BuddyWorks team.

12 February 2008
NThC attended the 10th Anniversary and 6th University Science and Technology Week Celebration of the National Institutes of Health with the theme, "Health Research Towards the Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals" held at the Century Park Hotel, Manila. Dr. Alex Gavino presented a paper on "Design and Implementation of Telehealth Services in the Philippines."

1-2 February 2008
NThC attended the 15th Grand Scientific Symposium of the UP College of Medicine with the theme, "The Brain & Behavior: Optimizing Function from Birth and Beyond" held at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino, Manila.

NThC Activities (January 2008)

2008-04-16T22:56:00.010+08:00

29 January 2008
Ms. Pia Athena Tolentino delivered a lecture on “Telehealth Nursing in the Philippines” via videoconferencing between UP Manila and UP School for Health Sciences, Palo, Leyte.

29 January 2008
Teleconsultation between EVRMC and Dr. Millicent Tan-Ong as Rheumatology Domain Expert.

8 January 2008
NThC joined the UP Centennial Kick-off motorcade and activities at UP Diliman.

NThC Activities (December 2007)

2008-04-16T21:50:00.022+08:00

18 December 2007
NThC celebrated its Christmas Party at Don Henrico’s Restaurant, Pedro Gil, Manila.

18 December 2007
NThC joined the UP Manila Lantern Parade with a lantern entry.

17-18 December 2007
NThC held its teambuilding workshop at Pansol, Laguna.

13 December 2007
Alexander Vo, PhD , Executive Director of the AT&T Center for Telehealth Research & Policy at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), delivered a lecture on “UTMB Electronic Health Network Systems and Programs” at the PGH Science Hall.

11 December 2007
NThC joined the “Adopt-a-Ward Program” of the UP Manila Christmas Celebrations Committee at Ward 15 (Obstetrics Ward).

NThC Activities (November 2007)

2008-04-16T21:49:00.020+08:00

14 November 2007
NThC met with Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) officials for collaboration projects on CHITS and Telemedicine.

1-3 November 2007
Dr. Alex Gavino presented a paper on “Free and Open Source Software for Health” at the 3rd National Conference of Telemedicine Society of India and the 12th International Society for Telemedicine and e-Health International Conference held at Chennai, India.

NThC Activities (October 2007)

2008-04-16T21:49:00.017+08:00

11 October 2007
NThC conducted an e-Health lecture and hands-on training on CHITS for DTTBs as part of their Continuing Medical Education Program at Cagayan de Oro City.

10 October 2007
NThC launched the SMS Telereferral for DTTBs (DTTB-100) with the MOA signing held at the Chali Beach Resort, Cagayan de Oro City.

NThC Activities (September 2007)

2008-04-16T21:49:00.015+08:00

29 September 2007
Dr. Alex Gavino presented the “National Telehealth Service Program” at the Health Informatics Conference held at the PGH Science Hall.

7 September 2007
e-Learning for Health (Tuberculosis and Bird Flu Modules) with Barangay Health Workers from the Province of Capiz and Dr. Nina Berba as Infectious Disease Domain Expert.

NThC Activities (August 2007)

2008-04-16T21:48:00.014+08:00

31 August 2007
Dr. Paul Fontelo of the Office of High Performance Computing and Communications, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health gave a lecture on “Evidence-Based Medicine Resources at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) for the Mobile Clinician” at the NIH Conference Room, UP Manila.

21 August 2007
e-Learning for Health (Stroke Module) with participants from the Province of Nueva Vizcaya and Dr. JP Reyes as Neurology Domain Expert.

14-16 August 2007
Leyte Site Visit (EVRMC and UPM-SHS) by the Buddyworks Team.

NThC Activities (July 2007)

2008-04-16T21:48:00.013+08:00

23-25 July 2008
Tuguegarao Site Visit by the BuddyWorks Team.

10-12 July 2008
Iligan Site Visit by the BuddyWorks Team.

NThC Activities (June 2007)

2008-04-16T21:48:00.003+08:00

NThC Activities (May 2007)

2008-04-16T21:48:00.001+08:00

NThC Activities (April 2007)

2008-04-16T21:47:00.004+08:00

NThC Activities (March 2007)

2008-04-16T21:47:00.003+08:00

NThC Activities (February 2007)

2008-04-16T21:47:00.001+08:00

NThC Activities (January 2007)

2008-04-16T21:46:00.006+08:00

NThC Activities (2006)

2008-04-16T21:46:00.005+08:00

NThC Activities (2005)

2008-04-16T21:46:00.003+08:00

NThC Activities (2004)

2008-04-16T21:46:00.001+08:00

NThC Activities (2003)

2008-04-16T21:45:00.002+08:00

NThC Activities (2002)

2008-04-16T21:45:00.001+08:00

NThC Activities (2001)

2008-04-16T16:25:00.005+08:00

NThC Activities (2000)

2008-04-16T16:20:00.006+08:00

NThC Activities (1999)

2008-04-16T15:44:00.006+08:00

NThC Activities (1998)

2008-04-16T14:27:00.010+08:00

HISTORY

The National Telehealth Center of the University of the Philippines Manila was established in June 1998 through a University of the Philippines Board of Regents Resolution with the mandate to increase access to health information and services through information and communications technology.

VISION

The Center shall be the premier center in the field of information and communications technology applications for health . Cognizant of the public health needs and the limitations of technology, the Center shall strive to put to action health solutions in an environment without borders through teamwork, empowerment and innovation.

MISSION

The National Telehealth Center exists to promote the use of telehealth and related technologies in forming strategic partnerships with stakeholders in the delivery of services where such concepts are applicable. This shall be accomplished through responsible and innovative use telecommunications and computer technologies.

Through the development of sustainable telehealth applications and through collaborations with organizations, health professionals, health workers, clients and community at large, the National Telehealth Center will lead in the promotion of the responsible use of the technology in health, ensure quality in its endeavors, and empower its clients through information and knowledge exchange.

NThC Presents Activities at APT Conference in Okinawa

2007-06-16T11:01:00.000+08:00

Dr. Alvin B. Marcelo presented the National Teleheath Center's activities at the Asia Pacific Telecommunity regional conference in Okinawa, Japan. This conference was a follow-up of the previous meeting at Chiangmai, Thailand February of the same year.